Alabama freshman Brandon Miller declares for 2023 NBA Draft

University of Alabama freshman Brandon Miller is entering the 2023 NBA Draft.

Miller's father, Darrell Miller, confirmed Thursday to The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network, that his son declared for the draft following one season at Alabama. Miller shared multiple congratulatory messaged on his Instagram Story. 

ESPN first reported the news.

The 6-foot-9 forward is expected to be an NBA lottery pick in the draft, which will be held June 22 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Miller is projected to be the No. 3 overall pick behind Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson, according to ESPN.

In his first season for the Crimson Tide, Miller averaged 18.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists for Alabama while shooting 38.4% from 3-point range. He was named the SEC's player of the year and rookie of the year, becoming the first player to win both honors in the same season since Kentucky's Anthony Davis in 2012.

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Brandon Miller led Alabama to the SEC regular season and tournament championships.
Brandon Miller led Alabama to the SEC regular season and tournament championships.

Miller led the Crimson Tide to the No.1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history, but he had a poor showing during March Madness. He shot 8-for-41 from the field and 3-for-19 on 3-pointers during the tournament and Alabama was upset by No. 5 San Diego State in the Sweet 16.

Miller also made headlines off the court with his involvement in the shooting death of a 23-year-old woman in January, a controversy that followed him during Alabama's season.

Former Alabama player Darius Miles and Michael Davis were indicted on capital murder charges in the Jan. 15 shooting death of Jamea Harris near campus in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. A preliminary hearing in February revealed that Miller was at the scene of the shooting and transported the gun used, but he faces no charges.

Tuscaloosa chief assistant district attorney Paula Whitley told AL.com in February that Miller faces no charges over the fatal shooting because "there’s nothing we could charge him with." Miller’s attorney said his client had "never touched the gun, was not involved in its exchange" and "never knew that illegal activity involving the gun would occur."

Miller called the tragedy "really heartbreaking."

Contributing: Lindsay Schnell 

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2023 NBA draft: Alabama's Brandon Miller declares himself eligible